Chris Christie promises change to a 'broken' state in campaign kickoff

With fresh poll numbers saying he could take the governor's mansion away from Jon Corzine, Chris Christie embarked on a blitz of campaigning throughout New Jersey today as he officially kicked off his campaign for governor.

The Republican former U.S. Attorney pounded away at the record of the Democratic governor as he worked his way from a speech at the Newark Performing Arts Center to a diner stop in Gloucester County, the first leg of a two-day tour flexing Christie's organizational muscle.

John O'Boyle/The Star-LedgerFormer US Attorney Chris Christie announced that he is running for Governor at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

"What we need now is a complete change of attitude," Christie said, as a Quinnipiac University poll showed him leading Corzine 44 to 38 percent. "It is time for New Jersey to wipe the slate clean. Change will not come easy, but the same players arguing over the same policies will not make the dramatic difference we need to get our state back on track."

For the first time, Christie gave voters a taste of the policies he would pursue if elected, vowing to cut state spending, lower the income and business taxes, and bolster cities through stronger public safety and public education. But he refused to say how much he would reduce the budget and what programs he might target.

Christie announces his run for governor

Christie talks about the budget, taxes and consolidation

Christie said he would not raise taxes, but declined to say how he would recoup the lost revenue if he reduces income and business taxes to make New Jersey more competitive. He did not take a position on the state's property tax rebate program, saying he wanted to carefully study it before presenting a comprehensive plan to tackle the entrenched property tax problem.

"I'm not saying I'm cutting taxes in the first year," Christie said. "The first thing we have to do is get our fiscal house in order, and that's going to be tough."

John O'Boyle/The Star-Ledger

Christie, who previously said "too much government" helps feed corruption in New Jersey, said he would encourage the state's 566 towns to consolidate or share services, but would not "force consolidation." That position appeared similar to Corzine's, as did Christie's comments that state worker unions have to "step up and contribute" by making concessions during an economic crisis.

Today's coming-out party featured all the usual trappings of a major campaign rollout: a sleek black campaign bus, Christie's wife and four children, cheering crowds of supporters at each stop. But outside the Golden Dawn Diner in Hamilton Township -- about seven miles from the Statehouse -- he was met by about 20 Laborers International union members, carrying signs and chanting slogans linking Christie to the unpopular Republican former President George W. Bush. Christie was a big fundraiser for Bush before the president appointed him to serve as U.S. Attorney.

As the bus chugged south, a Bruce Springsteen concert played on a television screen inside as Christie, an ardent fan of the Jersey rocker, bantered with his staff and family. When the caravan passed within sight of the Statehouse's golden dome, Christie saluted and smiled.

At every turn, the former federal prosecutor faulted Corzine for "disappointing" voters who believed Corzine's career as chief executive of Goldman Sachs would translate into fiscal prowess at the Statehouse.

Corzine today refused to respond to Christie's criticism or the poll results, which also showed that voters disapprove of his job performance, 50 percent to 41 percent. The poll, which has a 2.9 percent margin of error, showed Corzine "suddenly has become the underdog in this race," Quinnipiac assistant director Clay Richards said.

"I'm working on the economy, I'm working on fulfilling my responsibilities," Corzine said after a bill signing in Wrightstown. "I think the people in the state of New Jersey expect me to be working on the recession, trying to get jobs, growing our economy. I don't think they're much interested in politics at this stage."

To challenge Corzine, Christie must first survive a Republican primary against three opponents: former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, Morris County Assemblyman Rick Merkt and Franklin Township Mayor Brian Levine.

Lonegan has launched a nearly $500,000 radio advertising campaign to appeal to primary voters, saying he is a "fighter for taxpayers" who is anti-abortion and will "defend your gun rights."

In an interview, Christie today outlined his own positions on social issues, saying he evolved from pro-choice to pro-life with the birth of his children but would not use the governor's office to "force that down people's throats." However, he said he favors restrictions on abortion rights such as banning partial-birth abortions and requiring parental notification and a 24-hour waiting period.

He said he favors the state's current law allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions but would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage if it reached his desk. Corzine has said he would sign such a bill.

Christie also said he supports strict and aggressive enforcement of the state's current gun laws.

Lonegan today announced the endorsement of former Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano and said he would continue to highlight differences with Christie. He called Christie's refusal to provide specific budget-cutting plans "irresponsible."

"It's clear to me that Mr. Christie is in over his head," Lonegan said.